Cheap BMW M3 Timing Chain
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A buyer's guide to used BMW M3 timing chain
No two timing chains are quite the same across different vehicles, so getting the specifics right matters when you buy used, second hand or a replacement. Answer a few quick questions below and breakers will only quote if they have the exact matching part in stock:
- State whether it's petrol or diesel
- State the engine code if known
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Fitment questions
Does the BMW M3 have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Every generation of the BMW M3 has used a timing chain rather than a timing belt, so there is no cam belt to replace on a service schedule. This applies across all M3 engines from the original S14 four-cylinder through to the S55 and S58 twin-turbocharged inline-sixes used in the more recent generations. You are in the right place looking for a timing chain on this model.
Will a timing chain from an E46 M3 fit an E36 M3?
No — the E36 M3 (1992–1999) uses the S50 or S52 engine depending on market, while the E46 M3 (2000–2006) uses the entirely different S54 engine, and the timing chains for these are not interchangeable. Engine code is the deciding factor here, not the generation badge, so always confirm the exact engine code from your V5 or a VIN check before ordering. Supply that code to the breaker and they can match the chain correctly.
Does the timing chain from an E90/E92/E93 M3 fit all body styles — saloon, coupe, and convertible?
Yes — the E90, E92, and E93 M3 (2007–2013) all use the same S65 V8 engine regardless of body style, so the timing chain is identical across saloon, coupe, and convertible variants. Body style has no bearing on timing chain fitment; what matters is that the engine code on the donor car matches yours. Confirm the engine code with the breaker against your registration to be sure.
I have an F80 M3 — will a timing chain from an F82 M4 fit?
Almost certainly yes, because both the F80 M3 saloon (2014–2018) and the F82 M4 coupe share the same S55 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, making the timing chain components the same part. The M3 and M4 badges in this generation reflect body style only, not a different engine, so fitment is driven by the shared engine code rather than the model name. Always confirm the engine code with the breaker against your registration before purchasing.
Does trim level affect timing chain fitment on the BMW M3 — for example, Competition versus standard?
No — trim level does not affect timing chain fitment on the M3. The Competition specification on models such as the F80 (2014–2018) and G80 (2021-onwards) brings suspension, software, and cosmetic differences rather than a different engine, so the timing chain remains the same part as the standard car within the same generation. Focus on matching the engine code, not the trim badge, when sourcing from a breaker.
Will a timing chain from a 2016 F80 M3 fit a 2018 F80 M3?
Both sit within the same F80 generation (2014–2018) and use the S55 engine throughout, so in principle the timing chain should be the same part. However, BMW occasionally made running production changes to ancillary engine components during a generation, so confirm with the breaker by providing your exact registration or engine code to rule out any mid-run variation. Never assume fitment without that check.